The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is conducting a study to learn about possible sources of drinking water for Crawford County.
But will getting that water mean damming a popular creek? Dozens of people gathered at a meeting tonight about additional sources of water The meeting was hosted by the Army Corps of Engineers and was intended to get information to the public and to hear their opinions on various options for water.
And one controversial option on the table- damming Lee Creek.
"We do not have a plan formulated yet. This meeting is to gather additional information from the public," said Lauren Conrad with the Army Corps of Engineers.
The Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a study to find out if there is a need for drinking water for Crawford County and the best way to get that water.
Currently Crawford County purchases their water from Fort Smith. "Well we believe there is a need. It may not be an immediate need but a long term need. We don't want to wait until there is an emergency to start looking for a supply of water," said River Valley Regional Water District Project Manager.
And one proposed way of getting that water? Damming Lee Creek.
Lee Creek is designated as an Extraordinary Resource Water, or ERW, meaning it is chemically pure and scenically beautiful.
However it is just one of many proposed methods "The only thing we're saying is no. Not our ERW stream. There are other streams available. There are other sources available. Stay out of our ERW streams," said Ronn Rogers with Save Our Streams.
Because of the ERW designation, the Corps would have to prove that the sole purpose of the dam is to provide a water supply, and that there are no other feasible alternatives.
But for some people, the beauty of the creek is more important. "We already dammed the lower section and the upper section would be too beautiful to lose. People come from all over the country to canoe that river and fish and recreation on its banks and to make it a flat water lake would be a real tragedy," said J.P. Bell, who is opposed to the damming.
Another thing people tonight were upset about was the way the meeting was conducted.
They were expecting a chance to speak openly with the representatives and share information with other citizens.
Instead they were asked to give their comments and questions to a court reporter.
Another meeting will be held tomorrow night at 6 pm at the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville.
But will getting that water mean damming a popular creek? Dozens of people gathered at a meeting tonight about additional sources of water The meeting was hosted by the Army Corps of Engineers and was intended to get information to the public and to hear their opinions on various options for water.
And one controversial option on the table- damming Lee Creek.
"We do not have a plan formulated yet. This meeting is to gather additional information from the public," said Lauren Conrad with the Army Corps of Engineers.
The Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a study to find out if there is a need for drinking water for Crawford County and the best way to get that water.
Currently Crawford County purchases their water from Fort Smith. "Well we believe there is a need. It may not be an immediate need but a long term need. We don't want to wait until there is an emergency to start looking for a supply of water," said River Valley Regional Water District Project Manager.
And one proposed way of getting that water? Damming Lee Creek.
Lee Creek is designated as an Extraordinary Resource Water, or ERW, meaning it is chemically pure and scenically beautiful.
However it is just one of many proposed methods "The only thing we're saying is no. Not our ERW stream. There are other streams available. There are other sources available. Stay out of our ERW streams," said Ronn Rogers with Save Our Streams.
Because of the ERW designation, the Corps would have to prove that the sole purpose of the dam is to provide a water supply, and that there are no other feasible alternatives.
But for some people, the beauty of the creek is more important. "We already dammed the lower section and the upper section would be too beautiful to lose. People come from all over the country to canoe that river and fish and recreation on its banks and to make it a flat water lake would be a real tragedy," said J.P. Bell, who is opposed to the damming.
Another thing people tonight were upset about was the way the meeting was conducted.
They were expecting a chance to speak openly with the representatives and share information with other citizens.
Instead they were asked to give their comments and questions to a court reporter.
Another meeting will be held tomorrow night at 6 pm at the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville.
